Hand-held compressor nebulizer

ABSTRACT

A hand-held compressor nebulizer suitable for vaporizing liquid medication, comprising a casing ( 2 ) and a motor-driven air pump ( 5 ). The nebulizer includes a liquid medication supply unit and a vaporizing unit. The vaporizing unit comprises upper and lower vaporizing chamber ( 9  and  6 ), said lower chamber ( 6 ) including a reservoir ( 12 ) for liquid medication from the liquid medication supply unit. The vaporizing unit includes a hollow conical member located within lower chamber ( 6 ) and defining an internal conical passage ( 11 ) having a relatively smaller upper end and a relatively larger lower end, said lower end being in communication with the air pump ( 5 ) for receiving an upward airflow produced by the air pump ( 5 ). The airflow increases in speed in the upward direction and creates a negative pressure upon exit from the upper end of the conical passage ( 11 ). The vaporizing unit further includes a vaporizing jacket ( 7 ) having a tapered interior and disposed around the conical member to form a narrow gap with the conical member. The gap has an upper end in the vicinity of the upper end of the conical passage ( 11 ) and a lower end in communication with the reservoir ( 12 ), such that said negative pressure can cause, by way of suction, liquid medication in the reservoir ( 12 ) to move upwards along the gap and subsequently be vaporized by the airflow upon exit from the upper end of the gap.

[0001] The present invention relates to a vaporizing device and,particularly but not exclusively, to a vaporizing device for vaporizingliquid medication.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] One of the known nebulizers extensively used is ultrasonicnebulizer, which utilizes ultrasonic vibration waves to atomize orvaporize liquid. One disadvantage of ultrasonic nebulizers is that themist produced is usually about 1-10 micron in size, which is notsufficiently fine for the respiratory tract of a patient to absorbmedication. In addition, by reason of the complicate mechanism, largephysical size and high power consumption, typical ultrasonic nebulizersare often only suitable for hospital and household use, and they areinconvenient to carry in transit or during travelling for use anytimeand/or anywhere as needed.

[0003] The invention seeks to mitigate or at least alleviate suchproblems by providing a hand-held compressor nebulizer, which islightweight, compact and convenient to carry and can be used at anymoment, with a relatively smaller vaporized particle size.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] According to the invention, there is provided a hand-heldcompressor nebulizer suitable for vaporizing liquid medication,comprising a casing (2), an air pump (5) located within the casing (2),an electric motor (3) located within the casing (2) for driving the airpump (5), and an electrical switch (1) for controlling the operation ofthe motor (3). The nebulizer includes a liquid medication supply unitfor supplying liquid medication and a vaporizing unit, both provided onthe upper part of the casing (2). The vaporizing unit comprises an uppervaporizing chamber (9) and a lower vaporizing chamber (6), said lowerchamber (6) including a reservoir (12) into which the liquid medicationsupply unit is to supply liquid medication. The vaporizing unit includesa hollow conical member located within lower vaporizing chamber (6) anddefining an internal conical passage (11) having a relatively smallerupper end and a relatively larger lower end, said lower end being incommunication with the air pump (5) for receiving an upward airflowproduced by the air pump (5). The airflow increases in speed in theupward direction and creates a negative pressure upon exit from theupper end of the conical passage (11). The vaporizing unit furtherincludes a vaporizing jacket (7) having a tapered interior and disposedaround the conical member to form a narrow gap between the jacket (7)and the conical member. The gap has an upper end in the vicinity of theupper end of the conical passage (11) and a lower end in communicationwith the reservoir (12), such that said negative pressure can cause, byway of suction, liquid medication in the reservoir (12) to move upwardsalong the gap and subsequently be vaporized by the airflow upon exitfrom the upper end of the gap.

[0005] Preferably, the upper vaporizing chamber (9) is formed within thevaporizing unit and that the lower vaporizing chamber (6) is defined bya member extending across an uppermost end of the casing (2).

[0006] It is preferred that the liquid medication supply unit comprisesa holder (14) for holding a liquid medication box (18) closed by asealing tape (17), and a slider (15) for piercing open said tape (17) toallow liquid medication in said box (18) to flow out into the reservoir(12).

[0007] It is further preferred that the medication box holder (14) islocated on the upper vaporizing chamber (9), and that the slider (15)and said medication box (18) are arranged on opposite sides within theholder (14), which slider (15) is resiliently biassed away from saidmedication box (18) by means of a spring (16) and is movable against theaction of the spring (16) to pierce through said tape (17).

[0008] Preferably, the vaporizing unit includes a lid (21) having an airinlet (22) above the upper vaporizing chamber (9) to enablecommunication of the upper vaporizing chamber (9) with the ambientatmosphere, and an adjuster (20) provided immediately below the lid (21)for movement to adjust the opening size of the air inlet (22).

[0009] Preferably, the air pump (5) is one of a valve-type pump and aplunger-type pump.

[0010] Preferably, the motor (3) has a power rating of substantially 18watt.

[0011] Preferably, said sealing tape (17) is made of one of paper andtin foil.

[0012] Advantageously, the nebulizer may has a maximum size of 7 cm×6cm×23 cm, and a maximum weight of 750 grams.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, the upper and lower ends of theconical passage defined by the conical member are substantially 0.7 mmand 3.0 mm in diameter respectively.

[0014] It is preferred that the gap formed between the jacket (7) andthe conical member is conical and has a gap width of substantially 0.5mm.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0015] The invention will now be more particularly described, by way ofexample only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0016]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a hand-heldcompressor nebulizer in accordance with the invention;

[0017]FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional side view of the nebulizer of FIG. 1;

[0018]FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional side view of a first upper part of thenebulizer of FIG. 1; and

[0019]FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional side view of a second upper part ofthe nebulizer of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0020] Referring initially to FIG. 1 of the drawings, there is shown ahand-held compressor nebulizer embodying the invention, which nebulizerhas a body that can be divided into three parts, i.e. a vaporizing unitat the upper left corner, a liquid medication supply unit at the upperright corner and a pneumatic unit as the middle lower section.

[0021] The vaporizing unit comprises an upper vaporizing chamber (9)which has a shell structure and is provided, on its front side, with avaporized air outlet (13) having an opening that is inclined slightlyupwards. The vaporizing unit includes a lower vaporizing chamber (6)defined by a member extending across the uppermost end of the casing(2), which is to be connected with the upper vaporizing chamber (9) toform a complete vaporizing chamber (9 and 6). The upper chamber (9)includes an upper lid (21) formed with an air inlet (22), and a turnabledisc (20) located immediately below the lid (21) for adjusting theopening size of the air inlet (22) to control the amount of intake airand in turn the concentration of vaporized medication dispensed.

[0022] The liquid medication supply unit comprises a medication boxholder (14), a liquid medication box (18) and a slider (15). Thepneumatic unit comprises a casing (2), an electrical switch (1) and apanel (4).

[0023] The subject nebulizer has a compact structure and a smallconfiguration and is easy to carry. It may include an upper cap (10) forcovering and protecting the vaporizing unit and the liquid medicationsupply unit. The pneumatic unit is made narrower along its centralmid-length to facilitate gripping by one hand.

[0024] Reference is also made to FIG. 2, which is a cross-sectional sideview of the subject nebulizer, showing all of its components beingcontained within the casing (2) and the cap (10). The nebulizer includesan 18-watt electric motor (3) located centrally within the casing (2), acircuit board associated with the power switch (1) for controlling theoperation of the motor (3), and an air pump (5) having an outlet nozzleand arranged to be driven by the motor (3). The air pump (5) may be avalve-type or plunger-type pump, having its outlet nozzle locatedimmediately below the lower vaporizing chamber (6). The panel (4) isprovided on the same side of the casing (2) as the vaporized air cutlet(13).

[0025] The lower vaporizing chamber (6) resembles a funnel, having anupper side connected with the upper vaporizing chamber (9), therebyforming a complete vaporizing chamber. More specifically, the upperperipheral edge of the lower chamber (6) is connected, on the lowerside, to the casing (2) and, on the upper side, to the upper chamber (9)through annular engagement between a flange and a groove.

[0026] The lower vaporizing chamber (6) has a bottom wall that is formedintegrally with a vertically depending slim pipe. The lower end of thepipe is aligned with and pressed against the nozzle of the air pump (5),such that air from the pump (5) may enter into the pipe and in turn thelower chamber (6). The underside of the lower chamber (6) includesintegrally a horizontal slim pipe that has an inner end in communicationwith the vertical pipe and an open outer end, for supply of air.

[0027] A vertical slender hollow conical member or cone is located onthe bottom wall of the lower vaporizing chamber (6), at a positionaligned with the slim pipe. The cone defines an internal conical passage(11) for air, and its apex forms a nozzle.

[0028] The inner surface of the lower vaporizing chamber (6) around thecone is recessed and acts as a reservoir (12) for containing liquidmedication received from the liquid medication box (18). The surfacesurrounding the periphery of the reservoir (12) is inclined downwardsfor guiding the liquid medication to flow into the reservoir (12).

[0029] A vaporizing jacket (7) including a vaporizing cap (8) is placedover the cone. The jacket (7) has a tapered interior or inner surface toform a narrow conical gap with the outer surface of the cone, alongwhich gap liquid medication from the reservoir (12) is to travel upwardswhen subject to suction. The conical gap has a gap width of about 0.5mm.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 3 showing the liquid medication supply unit ingreater detail, the medication box holder (14) is a rectangular shellincluding a pair of downwardly projecting front and rear bottom hooksfor insertion into respective holes of the top of the upper vaporizingcharter (9). The hooks are chamfered on their outer sides for releasablyconnecting the holder (14) onto the upper chamber (9) through a snap-fitaction. The liquid medication supply unit is detachable, for cleaningwhenever necessary, by compressing the holder (14) to release the hooksfrom the holes.

[0031] The liquid medication box (18) is rectangular, including an openside that is initially sealed by means of a sealing tape (17) forcontaining liquid medication therein. The tape (17) may be of paper ortin foil. The medication box (18) is to be inserted into the rear partof the holder (14) for use, with the sealing tape (17) facing inwards.

[0032] The slider (15) is hollow rectangular and located within thefront part of the holder (14), and is resiliently biassed forwards bymeans of a compression spring (16). The slider (15) includes a pair ofupper and lower rearwardly extending tooth-shaped prongs. Upondepression against the action of the spring (16), the slider (15) slidesinwards carrying with it the prongs, which pierce through the sealingtape (17) to form two holes. Upon release, the slider (15) and itsprongs are returned by the spring (16), and the holes allow liquidmedication to flow out from the box (18) and run into the reservoir (12)of the lower vaporizing chamber (6).

[0033] In general, the liquid medication is supplied in a sealed mannerwithin the box (18) for use as described above. Alternatively, suitableliquid medication may be poured into the reservoir (12), after themedication box holder (14) has been removed, whereupon an empty liquidmedication box should be inserted into the holder (14) to preventleakage.

[0034] Referring is also made to FIG. 4, which shows the vaporizing unitin greater details. As mentioned above, the lid (21) of the uppervaporizing chamber (9) has an air inlet (22). The disc (20), which isformed with a cut-out, is located immediately below the lid (21) toextend across a top opening of the upper chamber (9) for turning toadjust the size of the air inlet (22). The top opening of the upperchamber (9) acts as an orifice (about 8.0 mm in diameter) for aeration,integrally from the lower side of which an angled connecting pipe (19)extends downwards to reach and surround the vaporizing cap (8).

[0035] The size of the opening through the air inlet (22) of the lid(21) and the orifice of the upper vaporizing chamber (9) is adjustableby means of the turnable disc (20), via its cut-out, for controlling theamount of intake air and in turn the concentration of vaporizedmedication to be dispensed.

[0036] The operation of the subject hand-held compressor nebulizer willnow be described. A power supply, which is provided by a rechargeablebattery contained within the casing (2) of the nebulizer, is initiallyconnected by means of the power switch (1) to turn on the electric motor(3). The motor (3) drives the air pump (5) to compress air and produce ahigh-speed airflow upwards through the conical passage defined by thecone in the lower vaporizing chamber (6). As the conical passage has arelatively smaller upper end (about 0.7 mm in diameter) and a relativelylarger lower end (about 3.0 mm in diameter), the speed of the airflowincreases rapidly in the upward direction.

[0037] The cone and the vaporizing jacket (7) disposed around ittogether define a narrow conical gap, as described above. The conicalgap has an upper end in the vicinity of the upper end of the passagedefined by the cone and a lower end in communication with the bottom ofthe reservoir (12) defined within the lower vaporizing chamber (6).

[0038] As the airflow exits from within, and at the apex of, the cone ata very high speed, a negative pressure is created around the apex. Asthe upper end of the conical gap is open around the apex and by reasonof the negative pressure created there, the liquid medication in thereservoir (12) is sucked into the conical gap from the lower end of thegap and travels upwards along the gap.

[0039] The liquid medication is subsequently atomized or vaporized bythe high-speed airflow, upon exit from the upper end of the conical gapor the vaporizing cap (8) of the vaporizing jacket (7). The vaporizedliquid medication is accumulated within the upper vaporizing chamber (9)and ejected out from the air outlet (13) for inhaling by the user.

[0040] As the interior of the vaporizing chamber (9 and 6) is incommunication with the ambient atmosphere via the opening through theair inlet (22) of the lid (21) and the orifice of the upper vaporizingchamber (9), air will be drawn in through the said opening as a resultof the inhaling action of the user. The size of the said opening may beadjusted by turning the disc (20) or its cut-out, whereby the amount ofthe intake air and in turn the concentration of vaporized medication tobe inhaled may be adjusted.

[0041] The subject hand-held compressor nebulizer may be equipped with amouthpiece and a mask for the user to choose for use as necessary. Also,a battery charger, which may be operated on the mains power supply or a12V car battery, may be included or supplied for recharging the internalbattery of the nebulizer.

[0042] Due to the employment of a small electric motor and a small sizeair pump and the compact design of the vaporizing unit and the liquidmedication supply unit, the subject nebulizer may be miniaturised to asize suitable for portable use. In particular, the subject nebulizer ismade to have a maximum size of 7 cm×6 cm×23 cm and to weigh at most 750grams.

[0043] The invention has been given by way of example only, and variousmodifications of and/or alterations to the described embodiment may bemade by persons skilled in the art without departing from the scope ofthe invention as specified in the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A hand-held compressor nebulizer suitable forvaporizing liquid medication, comprising a casing (2), an air pump (5)located within the casing (2), an electric motor (3) located within thecasing (2) for driving the air pump (5), and an electrical switch (1)for controlling the operation of the motor (3), characterized in thatthe nebulizer includes: a liquid medication supply unit provided on anupper part of the casing (2) for supplying liquid medication; avaporizing unit provided on the upper part of the casing (2), whichcomprises an upper vaporizing chamber (9) and a lower vaporizing chamber(6), said lower chamber (6) including a reservoir (12) into which theliquid medication supply unit is to supply liquid medication; saidvaporizing unit including: a hollow conical member located within lowervaporizing chamber (6) and defining an internal conical passage (11)having a relatively smaller upper end and a relatively larger lower end,said lower end being in communication with the air pump (5) forreceiving an upward airflow produced by the air pump (5), said airflowincreasing in speed in the upward direction and creating a negativepressure upon exit from the upper end of the conical passage (11), and avaporizing jacket (7) having a tapered interior and disposed around theconical member to form a narrow gap between the jacket (7) and theconical member, said gap having an upper end in the vicinity of theupper end of the conical passage (11) and a lower end in communicationwith the reservoir (12), such that said negative pressure can cause, byway of suction, liquid medication in the reservoir (12) to move upwardsalong the gap and subsequently be vaporized by the airflow upon exitfrom the upper end of the gap.
 2. The hand-held compressor nebulizer asclaimed in claim 1 , characterized in that the upper vaporizing chamber(9) is formed within the vaporizing unit and that the lower vaporizingchamber (6) is defined by a member extending across an uppermost end ofthe casing (2).
 3. The hand-held compressor nebulizer as claimed inclaim 1 , characterized in that the liquid medication supply unitcomprises a holder (14) for holding a liquid medication box (18) closedby a sealing tape (17), and a slider (15) for piercing open said tape(17) to allow liquid medication in said box (18) to flow out into thereservoir (12).
 4. The hand-held compressor nebulizer as claimed inclaim 3 , characterized in that the medication box holder (14) islocated on the upper vaporizing chamber (9), and that the slider (15)and said medication box (18) are arranged on opposite sides within theholder (14), which slider (15) is resiliently biassed away from saidmedication box (18) by means of a spring (16) and is movable against theaction of the spring (16) to pierce through said tape (17).
 5. Thehand-held compressor nebulizer as claimed in claim 1 , characterized inthat the vaporizing unit includes a lid (21) having an air inlet (22)above the upper vaporizing chamber (9) to enable communication of theupper vaporizing chamber (9) with the ambient atmosphere, and anadjuster (20) provided immediately below the lid (21) for movement toadjust the opening size of the air inlet (22).
 6. The hand-heldcompressor nebulizer as claimed in claim 1 , characterized in that theair pump (5) is one of a valve-type pump and a plunger-type pump.
 7. Thehand-held compressor nebulizer as claimed in claim 1 , characterized inthat the motor (3) has a power rating of substantially 18 watt.
 8. Thehand-held compressor nebulizer as claimed in claim 1 , characterized inthat said sealing tape (17) is made of one of paper and tin foil.
 9. Thehand-held compressor nebulizer as claimed in claim 1 , characterized byhaving a maximum size of 7 cm×6 cm×23 cm.
 10. The hand-held compressornebulizer as claimed in claim 1 , characterized by having a maximumweight of 750 grams.
 11. The hand-held compressor nebulizer as claimedin claim 1 , characterized in that the upper and lower ends of theconical passage defined by the conical member are substantially 0.7 mmand 3.0 mm in diameter respectively.
 12. The hand-held compressornebulizer as claimed in claim 1 , characterized in that the gap formedbetween the jacket (7) and the conical member is conical and has a gapwidth of substantially 0.5 mm.